Lifted Street Truck Tech | Results after the upgrades

THE RESULTS FOLLOWING THE UPGRADES ON OUR COMPANY HAULER

IN OUR LAST issue, we installed a new set of gears from Yukon Gear and Axle, along with upgraded pads and rotors from EBC Brakes (“Beyond the Lift,” pg. 60). With this combination of parts and a much-needed computer reprogram using our Max Energy 2.0 programmer from Hypertech, the truck has been restored to a flawless factory ride and feel, except with a 7-inch lift on 35-inch tires.

We also had Mark at Farmboy Customs mount and balance the new Atturo Trail Blade BOSS tires, which look as intense as they perform. The tread is designed from the Quartermaster QSA-1 BOSS HOG knife, a blade made for hardcore use. Alternating shoulder blocks follow the outline of the knife-handle tread, and the tread’s high void ratio provides superior grip across varied terrain. Smaller center tread blocks are linked for stability from the high abrasion abuse of rocks while maintaining a smooth ride on the street. We admit these tires are slightly louder than some others we’ve tested at high speeds, but their look and performance are more than a fair trade.

After a week behind the wheel, we did a few post-installation tests to document gains. By far the most noticeable improvement was the gears. The factory 3:08 gears were extremely inefficient on 35-inch tires. Now that our Silverado has 4:56 gears, we can actually keep up with the fl ow of traffic leaving a red light, and the speedometer is spot on like it came from the factory. We conducted a few extra tests; check them out.

Atturo Tire released the fourth tire in its Trail Blade series, the Trail Blade BOSS. The top tread and sidewalls are inspired by the Quartermaster QSA-1 BOSS HOG knife. A max single payload of 3,750 pounds gives us the confidence we need when towing and hauling.

Our 0-60 times were dramatically decreased thanks to the new rearend gearing set from Yukon Gear and Axle. The 4:56 ratio is the perfect combination for a 2WD Chevy Silverado rolling on 35-inch tires.

A quick tap of the brakes gives us a clear understanding of just how responsive the truck is now thanks to EBC Brakes’ rotors and Orange Stuff calipers. They look great behind our Moto Metal wheels.
Obviously, this isn’t an off -road magazine, but most truck enthusiasts will eventually find themselves on a dirt trail with their daily driver so it’s best to be prepared. A 2WD truck isn’t ideal for a heavy-duty off -pavement use, but if the shoe fits, get it dirty.

Next on the list of upgrades will be some motorized steps from AMP Research. Having a lifted, daily-driven truck is fun while cruising, but getting in and out can wear thin really quick. Stick around for the next issue when we show you the benefits of AMP’s new Powerstep XL.
Moving forward, we are going to continue our lifted daily driver truck tech due to the positive response we’ve received, and power will be the name of the game. Stay tuned as we pump some vigor into this factory 5.3-liter V-8 with the help of a few bolt-on performance adders.

[divider]SOURCES[/divider]

• Yukon Gear and Axle
 Yukongear.com

• EBC Brakes
Ebcbrakes.com

• Hypertech
Hypertech-inc.com

• Atturo Tires
Atturo.com

• WheelPros
  Wheelpros.com

• Farmboy Customs
561.795.2165

 

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